The Index evaluates the number of procedures, time, and administrative costs that are required to comply with five areas of business regulation that reflect the business cycle of a small business. The Index assesses the areas of starting a business, dealing with construction permits, registering property, paying taxes, and enforcing contracts. The results act as a barometer for the overall business environment and point to areas where reform is necessary for competitiveness.

The ease of doing business in America’s cities will help determine the future of America’s economic growth. The success of these places depends on improving existing regulatory processes, simplifying the licensing procedures, and easing the barriers to entry for entrepreneurs—further unleashing the promise of entrepreneurship and free enterprise for American cities.